The Design Department of Politecnico di Milano is one of the leading design research institutions worldwide. It operates in multidisciplinary research settings, in which design plays a mediating role and is a critical element. Its mission is to expand design knowledge, investigating how design enables and drives innovation to increase competitiveness, realise a better quality of life and achieve more sustainable and inclusive growth. The Department has been appointed as a Department of Excellence (2023-27) with the “Design for Systemic Change” project, selected by the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research for its quality of research and education, its ability to attract funding, productivity, and international collaboration. The Department’s Community consists of more than 300 people including professors, researchers, research fellows, Ph.D. students and technical-administrative staff.  

The School of Design is currently one of the largest international universities for training designers across various fields, both in terms of student enrollment and teaching staff. 

It is a public school that offers study programs organized in two levels: 3 year first level degree (Bachelor or B.Sc) and a further 2 year second level degree (Master or M.Sc). It has approximately 4400 students, 135 permanent faculty members, visiting professors and more than 340 adjunct professors from the professional world. It provides a methodological and multidisciplinary approach to design, combining science, technology, and the humanities, consistently linked to ongoing research and guided by sustainability objectives.

Founded in 1999, POLI.design is a private international center for postgraduate education. Since then, it has been focusing on developing and refining a cross-industry educational offer thanks to a project-based learning approach, taking advantage of polytechnic knowledge and research. Specializing Masters, Executive Courses and customized services for organizations equip students, professionals, companies and institutions with a design mindset to lead the transformation in a wide range of fields. POLI.design Board includes four design organizations: ADI, Associazione per il Disegno Industriale AIAP, Associazione Italiana Design della Comunicazione Visiva, AIPI, Associazione Italiana Progettisti d’Interni, e Federlegno Arredo.